Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for improving the efficiency of livestock production using genetic information obtained from the animal. The methods of the invention comprise obtaining a genetic sample from an animal or embryo, determining the genotype of the animal or embryo with respect to specific quality traits, grouping animals with like genotypes, and optionally, further sub-grouping animals based on like phenotypes. The invention is further directed to a method of predicting the carcass quality of an animal by correlating the rate of change in carcass traits with the genotype of the animal.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods for converting underutilized real property at existing land and improvements into energy producing property. An exemplary method comprises bifurcating energy production and management rights associated with the underutilized real property from the existing land and improvements.

Abstract: Multifunctional packaging containers and methods of use are disclosed. An exemplary container typically comprises a body section having a generally flat rectangular shape when in a flattened configuration. The container transforms into a generally elongated cylindrical shape when in the closed configuration. The exemplary container also comprises a first and second side wall. A handle assembly may also be included. Additionally, the container typically includes one or more securing mechanisms adapted to lock the contents therein. Methods of using the container include using it as a disposable pet waste scooper or general storage compartment.

Abstract: A method of selling architectural plans as well as a modular core. The modular core constitutes all wet areas of a home including all of its kitchen and bathroom areas and supporting electrical and plumbing connections. A plurality of architectural plans are developed, each architectural plan including a plan for the construction of a stick built home which includes a modular core. The architectural plans are then provided to developers or homebuilders.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a recording medium that includes both i) coordinates that are interoperable with a computerized satellite-based geographical positioning system and usable by that system to determine multiple geographical positions corresponding to a parcel of real estate and ii) other descriptive information corresponding to the parcel, such as photographs, written narrative descriptions, a property name or parcel number, or terms of a proposed transaction involving the parcel. Particular embodiments of the recording medium and uses therefor, such as in facilitating real estate transactions and communicating property descriptions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the isolation of biological macromolecules including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids from mature plant fibers such as cotton fibers and from textiles. The biological macromolecules can be used to characterize the plant fiber (source, origin, genomic composition of producing plant etc.).

Abstract: A retail item display includes an RFID processor, a display driving mechanism, at least one power source, and an electronic display. The RFID processor can include an antenna and an RFID processor. The display driving mechanism can include a microcontroller and a display driver or similar device. The electronic display comprises a display medium sandwiched between two electrodes. The RFID device is in communication with the display driving mechanism to display updated product information on the electronic display according to instructions from an external RFID activator. In one embodiment, the retail item display includes an electronic display that can be activated or deactivated. In another embodiment, the retail item display includes at least one customizable portion and at least one non-customizable portion. Methods to reduce the number of electrical connections between the display driving mechanism and the electronic display are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of facilitating the use of intellectual property as a financial tool in commercial, non-profit or eleemosynary transactions in the context of venture capital and commercial banking for-profit transactions comprising: a) identifying one or more items of intellectual property; b) identifying the owners of the intellectual property and any other principals in interest having rights and/or interests directly or indirectly in said intellectual property, which owners, or principals in interest have an interest in entering into commercial transactions involving said intellectual property; c) valuing the intellectual property, identifying its strengths and weaknesses both commercially and legally; d) underwriting the intellectual property for purposes of issuing one or more policies of insurance covering one or more of the identified commercial or legal strengths or weaknesses and, e) structuring such transactions.

Abstract: A method for enhancing solicitation of donation through the use of a selected media having a combined property of a personal relationship to a donor or honoree, informational, and accommodating a number of donors or honoree. The media can be placed on a template having a drawing or replica of the media divided into multiple sections, with each section having an independent information available for sponsorship.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide in a body of water such as an area of ocean by seeding the water surface with a fertilizer including iron. The seeding is conducted from the air using an aircraft equipped with a device to record or otherwise document the details of the iron distribution, where the method of distribution has been approved in advance for acquisition of carbon sequestration credits by an appropriate agency. Evidence of the success of the application is presented to the appropriate regulatory body and the carbon credits acquired.

Abstract: A document may include a plurality of published references such as, for example, a published patent(s), a published patent application(s) and/or other published reference(s). The document includes a combination of (1) a first subject matter in view of (e.g., combined with and/or modified by) a second subject matter and/or (2) the first subject matter, the improvement comprising the second subject matter. The patent document discloses that any teaching or part thereof (e.g., at least a teaching or part thereof) from the published references may be applied as the first subject matter, and that any other teaching or part thereof (e.g., at least a different teaching or part thereof) from the published references may be applied as the second subject matter. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate examples of the combination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to system and method of dieting, wherein safe increases to an individual's basal metabolic rate accelerates the burning of fat, and may be used as a primary method of weight loss and/or as a complementary technique to the success of other weight loss strategies. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of weight loss comprises measuring a temperature and quantity of a consumable product; determining a gross caloric value of the consumable product; calculating an energy to be expended during consumption of the consumable product by an individual; calculating a net caloric value of the consumable product, wherein the net caloric value is equal to a gross caloric value of the consumable product less the caloric energy expended by an individual in consuming the consumable product; and tracking the net caloric value over a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method is described for presenting a report. The method comprises the following steps. Survey results are obtained to plurality of customer surveys for a predefined location over a data accumulation period. Each customer survey includes a plurality of attributes each having at least one weighting factor. A location average result is calculated for each of the plurality of attributes. Survey results are obtained to a plurality of peer surveys over the data accumulation period for at least one corresponding peer. Each peer survey including a plurality of attributes. Calculating a peer average result for each of the plurality of attributes. A peer difference score is determined for each of the attributes as a difference between the location average result and the peer average result for the corresponding attribute. A ranking score is determined for each attribute based on a combination of the at least one weighting factor and the peer difference score.

Abstract: Beehive Planet Method is a computerized method spanning Real Estate and Finance fields. It creates an investment avenue for the registered investor base of a real estate brokerage through mass securitization of investment real estate into single property, no to low leverage, tradable securities created through the brokerage's services leading to a new demand based trading environment where collective purchasing creates real estate securities in primary market that trade on an inseparably linked Securities Exchange in secondary market. It uses Property Management standardization with operation and leverage classifications and exchange determined valuations and limits to convert single properties into tradable financial instruments. Complete computerization with automated property selection and collective purchasing conduct data transformation of investment criteria within buyer groups into trade transactions on an electronic exchange.

Abstract: A method to produce compositions with a standardized phytochemical content comprises growing marijuana in a controlled environment, harvesting live green leaves from the marijuana, processing the green leaves to produce a phytochemically standardized slurry, heating the slurry to produce a thin film, and cutting a film into pieces each sized to contain a selected dosage of the phytochemical.

Abstract: What is described is new method of marketing of wine in relation to a sport or a sporting event. What is also described is a new method of integrating and selling wine at the sporting event or in association with a sport. The methods including the creation of a wine club for selecting and licensing of brands to be associated with selected high quality wines each brand linked with a famous player. Further, the wine club will brand the sport association in association with the wine club and the branded wines. The method also include the use of a wide range of marketing outlets to help promote the wine including the construction of temporary structures to be placed at selected sports events and tournaments, direct sales, sales to corporate programs, offering of travel services, concession stands, or existing clubhouses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing an advantage to a hotel by supplying discounts and promotional opportunities to a hotel guest by the use of the hotel keycard. The keycard can access offsite attractions and be used to facilitate transactions among cooperating entities. Purchases made using the keycard offsite can be charged to a hotel guest's room. By using the hotel keycard a hotel guest can take advantage of prearranged discounts by simply presenting the keycard.

Abstract: A system and method for generating revenue from copyrighted information and other content. The content is selected, and the ownership and other permissions needed to generate revenue from this content is then cleared. A liquidity event for the content, such as a public auction, is provided. A distributed computer system is provided for carrying out the revenue generating methodology.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include transfer account systems, computer program products, and associated computer-implemented methods of providing prioritized payments from the proceeds of automatic or direct deposits. Embodiments of the present invention include routing automatic deposit information to a financial institution computer managing a prioritized payment program and formulating an outgoing ACH file with both an entry for an automatic deposit destined for a customer account and an entry for a pre-authorized prioritized payment to a select creditor, so that the automatic deposit is credited to the customer account and relatively instantaneously any prioritized payment is debited from the customer account. According to embodiments of the present invention, the customer account can be a prepaid card account so that a customer has effective access on the prepaid card only to a net value of funds.

Abstract: A method to allow government law enforcement agencies and their representatives to automatically monitor, detect, and issue citation to collect fines for driving violations such as using mobile device for phone calls, sending text messages, or reading received text messages while driving. Information regarding these driving violations are captured and transmitted to back-office servers located at strategic locations for automatic enforcement including issuance of citations and collection of fines through mobile device billing system or sending citation through mail. Broader and efficient enforcement of the Safety Regulations will reduce the number of violations, improve the safety on the roads, and provide a mechanism to automatically collect fines.

Abstract: A method for management of conventional decking beams incorporates unique racks with special features facilitating the organization, storage, protection, and shipping of decking beams when the decking beams are not in use supporting shipments of cargo. Additional features facilitate stacking of racks when loaded with beams; and for stacking of empty racks themselves in minimal space for their storage or transportation when not in use. Identification of beams and of racks for wireless location-tracking is included.

Abstract: A method for selling individual storage bags used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual storage bags on a display in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, permitting the shopper to place the fresh food product in the individual storage bag before checkout, and charging the shopper for the bag on a per bag basis separately from the food purchased.

Abstract: A method of supplying a portable medical gas system is provided. The disclosed method includes preparing a portable medical gas system, the portable medical gas system including a cylinder adapted to be filled with medical gas and a gas dispensing valve. The portable medical gas system is place in a specialized container having a configuration adapted to hold the portable medical gas system only when the cylinder of portable medical gas system is unused state or empty state. The portable medical gas system is delivered to the customer, and returned as an empty cylinder via commercial carrier. Upon receipt of the empty or spent portable medical gas system, another portable medical gas system filled with medical gas is sent to the customer. In one embodiment, the portable medical gas system includes a single-use flow control valve which ensures the cylinder is empty after its initial use.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising: (ii) R-1243zf; (iii) a second component selected from R-32 (difluoromethane), R-744 (CO)2, R-41 (fluoromethane), R-1270 (propene), R-290 (propane), R-161 (fluoroethane) and mixtures thereof; and (iv) a third component selected from R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), R-125 (pentafluoroethane), R-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for placing orders to trade a security are provided. In some embodiments, for example, methods comprise: receiving an order to trade a security; determining an execution rate for the order, determining a darkness threshold for the order; selecting one or more routes for one or more working orders of the order based on at least the darkness threshold; scoring the one or more routes; allocating size to the one or more working orders based on the scoring and the execution rate; creating the one or more working orders; and sending the one or more working orders to the one or more routes for execution.

Abstract: The Just 200 is a market capitalization weighted stock market index. It is used to track the movements of the broad US stock market. Stocks represent ownership. With ownership comes economic results and voting power. However, some companies restrict, or even remove, the voting power of some stockholders. The Just 200 is meant to be the index of choice for individuals buying stocks through an index fund because it has been designed to be the fairest to individual investors because it excludes ALL SECURITIES of companies who don't give all owners equal voting rights. The logic behind it is that every share should be entitled an equal ownership vote. Any company who doesn't adhere to that standard is curtailing the rights of individuals and should have their securities boycotted. No major stock market index uses this rule.

Abstract: A manufacility (200) comprising a gallery (210), a concierge (220), a networking lounge (230), a training center (240), a media room (250), manucap administration (260), customer service (270), surrogate sectors (280), and job shop advocates (290). The manufacility (200) can facilitate methods for manufacturing articles, such as a method wherein a core-competency inventory is consulted to appoint job shops, a method wherein a raw idea is transformed into an article, and/or a method wherein an idea is converted from sketch to shelf and packaged in an innovation kit.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising a minimum of about 80% by weight of R-1243zf and a maximum of 20% by weight of R-32, based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a heart of a patient, the system includes: (i) a physiological data input interface, operative for receiving signals indicative of cardiac activity of the patient; (ii) a processor configured to process the signals to provide monitoring results; and (iii) an output interface operative to provide the monitoring results; wherein the monitoring results include information indicative of: (a) a heart rate of the patient during a monitoring period; (b) at least one first time period in which the heart rate of the patient exceeded a first threshold; and (c) at least one second time period in which the heart rate of the patient exceeded both the first threshold and a second threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a prospective insured to make an informed decision on healthcare insurance or a specific health care management decision by using a current medical profile to assist in their selection. Based on past medical care, as obtained from payor data, a number of different plans, each having different providers, different deductibles, different maximums, different reimbursement policies, etc., a person can make an informed decision. When a family has different payors for different family members, a proper blend of payors can be more easily selected since the payors (or a single payor) has a medical profile of each family member and also has information on providers in the network, prescription policies, deductibles, maximums, etc.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for verifying the authenticity of a product. One aspect of the invention provides a method of verifying the authenticity of a product through a plurality of stages of a supply chain. The method includes: providing a product having a plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers incorporated with the product; and at each of at least one of the plurality of stages of the supply chain, verifying the authenticity of a revealed unique identifier, thereby verifying the authenticity of the product. Another aspect of the invention provides a product including a plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers. The plurality of distinct unique identifiers can be selectively revealed. Another aspect of the invention provides a tamper-evident package including a plurality of distinct hidden unique identifiers. The plurality of distinct unique identifiers can be selectively revealed.

Abstract: A system for aggregating dog hair for making yarn includes: dog hair collection facilities including one or more dog hair undercoat collectors; an aggregation facility that accepts the collected contents of the plurality of dog hair undercoat collectors; and a logistics system that manages the collection and transportation of the contents of the plurality of dog hair undercoat collectors from the plurality of dog hair collection facilities. A method for aggregating dog hair for making yarn includes: collecting dog hair undercoat from a plurality of dogs at dog hair collection facilities; aggregating the collected dog hair undercoat; and providing the aggregated dog hair undercoat to one or more mills.

Abstract: The question of how much should be placed at risk on a given investment, relative to the total assets available for investment, is basically that of determining the optimal leverage. An existing well known method for calculating optimal leverage does not appear to be derived from sound principles. The approach taken by the method described in this specification is to optimize the expected future value of a function of the assets, conditioned on the assets having some estimated distribution. Asymptotically over time, the distribution of log-assets becomes Gaussian. Using this analysis, a couple of the more obvious strategies are ruled out, while the strategy of minimizing the reciprocal expected assets yields an elegant result that can also be interpreted in some sense as minimizing the risk of bankruptcy. It seems this strategy is particularly relevant for insurance companies, financial security ratings, and financial leveraging.

Abstract: The present application describes the use of low HER3 as a selection criterion for treating patients with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab. It also describes the use of high HER2:HER3 ratio as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients, such as ovarian cancer patients, with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab. In addition, the application describes the use of high HER3 as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients with a chemotherapeutic agent, for instance gemcitabine.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for developing a product having a relatively benign environmental impact. The methods evaluate the environmental hazard of various chemical components in formulated products and identify improvements in environmental safety based on those evaluations. Environmental criteria are in part developed based on three factors including; persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity. One method includes obtaining a preliminary formula for a product, wherein the preliminary formula includes a plurality of chemical components, identifying at least one different chemical component that is capable of being substituted for the chemical component in the preliminary formulation and determining an environmental performance score for the chemical component and the different chemical component and determining an environmental performance score of the preliminary formula and a second formula, wherein the second formula utilizes the different chemical component.

Abstract: The method is for distributing ice to the foodservice industry utilizing the existing foodservice infrastructure. This invention enables new markets and new revenue sources for the ice selling vendor based on utilizing the foodservice distribution infrastructure. This method allows the ice manufacturer to do business on a national or global scale.

Abstract: Value Builder Method is a means for preserving principal within retirement, healthcare, education, savings, or other financial accounts to maximize the investment by paying for fees, taxes, and other miscellaneous expenses with separate funds from an outside source or account(s). Many accounts that provide, financial, education, retirement, investment and/or health savings are limited in how much an individual or group can contribute within a year. The amount that can be contributed within a year is a limited resource. Associated fees, taxes, and costs for an account(s) divert investment funds from the primary purpose of the account(s). Value Builder Method saves money within primary account now as well as earning compounded interest in the future.

Abstract: A pet carrier comprising a cage-like enclosure having a top and a bottom, a front end and a rear end, a first side and a second side, a handle, four wheels, and a door. The upper half of the first side and of the second side of the cage-like enclosure comprises window-like ventilation openings which are covered by mesh and the door is receiveable within the rear end and comprises a locking mechanism. The handle is attached to the top of the cage-like enclosure. Two of the four wheels are attached to the bottom near the front end and two of the four wheels are attached to the bottom near the rear end of the cage-like enclosure. The cage-like enclosure simulates a vehicle-form such as for example a school bus or a fire truck.

Abstract: A method of managing organic waste decomposition includes providing an organic waste decomposition machine adapted to transform organic waste into decomposed material at a first site, collecting the decomposed material output by the organic waste decomposition machine, and transporting the decomposed material to a second site. The collecting and transporting the decomposed material are performed in exchange for providing the organic waste decomposition machine.

Abstract: This homogenized, multilayer sandwich structure has a total bending stiffness. The structure has two external skins each of a material having a modulus, a thickness and a width with contribution to the total moment of inertia. The structure also has a core of a foam material sandwiched between the two external skins, wherein the core has a modulus, a thickness and a width with contribution to the total moment of inertia. The external skins are fixed to the core, the strength of the structure being dependent on the core thickness via cubic power, as well as on the placement of the layers within the structure.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system, process, and method of collecting, handling and processing paperboard based fast food service items for the production of pulp suitable for reuse into paper or paperboard and the contemporaneous recovery of the waterproofing film for the production of energy.

Abstract: A method and related system blend fuels and dispense a blended fuel to a vehicle at a fueling station. In one aspect, the method comprises selecting the desired proportion of at least one of the fuels available at the service station, blending that fuel with another one available, and delivering the blended fuel to the vehicle. Preferably, the first fuel is a non-renewable, petroleum based one, while the second fuel is a non-petroleum based, renewable one (such as ethanol or biodiesel).

Abstract: It is provided a method for making and marketing vibration medicine products, which includes getting a vibration medicine product, packing the vibration medicine product into packed doses, attaching them to servings of a first product to get units of a second product, providing means for delivering guidance regarding an holistic significance of using the second product, and marketing the second product as being an improvement of the first product, being associated with the vibration medicine product, and using the second product being associated to the holistic significance. The method may include a step of changing the physical shape of the vibration medicine product to a different physical shape before packing into the plurality of packed doses, a liquid to powder, for example. Exemplary means for the delivering of guidance are by a written guiding label for affixing to a unit of the second product, or by a label having an integrated barcode for initiating a visit in a website presenting the guidance.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for generating foam shapes that float in air having a container, a gas source, an aeration nozzle for aerating a gas from the gas source, an outlet, and a separator for separating extruded foam into individualized foam shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for evaluating the knowledge risk maturity (KRM) of a team executing a project and to check the progress of the project. A method for quantifying knowledge risk maturity coefficient (KRMC) of the team and a method to identify the skills required by the team members to execute the project for different time frames are also provided. A KRMC trend is determined based on KRMC determined at different time instances. A skill requirement trend is also determined based on skills required by the team to execute the project at different time instances. By comparing the two trends, a plurality of KRM are evaluated for each time frame. On the basis of the KRMC trend and KRM, corrective measures are taken to enhance the KRMC to its maximum value. This in turn ensures that skill requirements of a project are met.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of textile marking and textile ownership registration. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of marking a textile model insignia onto a textile article and a method of textile ownership registration with the help of a textile ownership ID or a textile ID. An object of the present invention is to indicate the price range of a textile article by displaying a textile model insignia. Another object of the present invention is to enable textile ownership registration with the display of a textile ownership ID or a textile ID.

Abstract: A public/private sector cooperative method, and interrelated steps, utilizing a private third-party indemnification pool structure, coupled with a bifurcated, counterbalancing environmental risk pool, to create a community-wide, public inspection program, and a privately-funded maintenance, repair, rehabilitation methodology for inflow/infiltration defective, privately-owned sewer lateral lines, revealed through sewer emergencies or discovered during public inspections. The methodology and steps designed to reduce the financial, legal, public safety, health and environmental risks defective privately-owned sewer lateral service lines create and impose upon public sewer authorities, who have no, or limited, financial or legal jurisdiction over private sewer lines.

Abstract: A method of providing a gift card having a value to a user, comprising determining the products or services to be included, determining terms, determining a value for the products or services, determining whether to allow the user to use all of the offer, specifying a selection of the products or services available, aggregating the maximum total value of the offer; preparing the card, the card have a listing of the products and services, the selection of the products or services available, and the maximum total value of the offer, and sending the card to the user. The user selects choices from the selection of the products or services in the offer up to the maximum total value of the offer.

Abstract: A retirement fund program managed by computer software requiring an initial fixed investment and producing an ever increasing revenue stream to a group of participant investors organized by life expectancy and grouped into an investment partnership. A financial portfolio is created from the monies invested by each investor and is used to manage high quality securities to generate income for the partnership. Periodically, the surviving members of the partnership are entitled to receive the revenue generated from the portfolio, which statistically will increase as fewer participant investors survive. The partnership can purchase term life insurance on each participant investor, so that the initial investment can be returned to the estate of a participant investor if the participant investor becomes deceased during the program. Upon termination of the program, all remaining assets will be distributed pro rata among the living participant investors of the investment partnership.

Abstract: The present invention is a marketing and distribution method for introducing and maintaining refillable containers for personal care products such as cosmetics, creams, lotions, and sprays. The refillable container is refilled at local refill stations at stores, kiosks, vending machines, and the like, to eliminate the need for new packaging with each purchase. The method is designed to reduce waste and costs associated with product packaging by using refillable containers to dispense personal care products.